Bessie Iglehart

Bessie Louise Iglehart, age 85, of Pittsburgh, died peacefully of natural causes on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Born April 1, 1939, in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, she was the youngest of nine children and the sixth daughter of the late Fred Harvey and the late Myrtle (Berry) Harvey Hawkins. In addition to her parents, Bessie was preceded in death by her siblings: brothers Ollie B. Harvey, Kenneth Harvey, and Richard Harvey; sisters Nellie (Harvey) Simms, Carrie (Harvey) Murray, Ida (Harvey) Brown, and Julia (Harvey) Angell; and her children's father, Floyd Walker. Bessie received her education from the Pittsburgh Public School system, where she attended Baxter Jr. High School, and graduated from Westinghouse High School in 1957. She was a High-Honor student known for being "liked by all that her" and "very ambitious." After graduation, Bessie worked as a Secretary for Pitt University in support of three departments: Spectroscopy, Cryogenics, and Upper-Atmosphere Studies. She became so adept at typing scientific papers and reports containing complex mathematical formulas that her side-hustle became typing theses for grad students. A point of pride for Bessie was becoming a homeowner in the 1960s. She was raised in the church where she was known as "Sister Bessie." She remained active for many decades, most recently at Morningstar Baptist Church in West Mifflin, where she delivered her Ministry of Music, playing the piano and organ for the church for over twenty years. Bessie will be remembered for her tireless support of family and friends, and for her love of children. Her passions included food, health and nutrition. Her deepest desire was to help and heal others whenever possible. Bessie is survived by her children, Marcel Walker (Kristin Ward), Lesha Walker, and Gloria Walker; her sister, Myrtle (Harvey) Alexander; and a congregation of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and adoring friends who will continue to celebrate her powerful love, life and spirit. She will be truly and dearly missed by all those she leaves behind. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. A Celebration of Life for Sister Bessie Iglehart will take place at Jesus Is The Answer Ministries in Penn Hills, on Saturday, October 26th, from 11am-12:30pm. Professional services entrusted to D'Alessandro Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd; 4522 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA, 15201; www.dalessandroltd.com.

Bessie Iglehart

April 1, 1939 - October 3, 2024